d )
Action Area : Motivation and Process of Care
Use of care coordination has the ability to provide motivation and support for people receiving behavioral health care – improving quality of care outcomes while simultaneously reducing the overall system cost of care and enhancing patient satisfaction . 16
The process of care can include care navigators , community health workers , care coordinators , social workers , and others who are sometimes helpful – especially with higher-risk patients – when trying to manage care for community members in need of services .
Typically , those suffering from dual diagnosis – both behavioral health and substance misuse – require urgent or ongoing care . The research showed that community members value case managers , care coordinators , peer recovery support specialists , navigators , and similar roles , and they indicate that there is a greater need for this capability . These providers support enhanced continuity of care which ( according to a recently released study of Opioid Use Disorder patients in Florida ) can help address major service gaps among those who are identified as having behavioral health issues yet do not receive needed assistance . See the appendices for the “ Cascade of Care ” example .
For many who suffer from behavioral health or substance misuse , the act of asking for help is a monumental challenge to overcome . Individuals shared that motivation – whether it ’ s the desire not to return to jail , to see one ’ s children again , or otherwise – has to come from within . And when they do reach out for help and learn that there ’ s a 4-6 week wait to see a provider ; the motivation dies and it ’ s easier to return to their old habits .
• “ More peer supports , and more peer support programs , are needed . They ’ re undervalued and under paid and there are too few positions . It takes a lot of work to become one . Hard to navigate certification process .”
• “ Create opportunities for wholistic case management to reduce acuity , and start early .”
• “ Applicant pools are limited , due to depth of experience or interest . Polk sits between two larger areas in the state and people don ' t want to leave Tampa or Orlando . People take advantage of tuition waiver then leave .”
Examples of Potential Interventions for Stage 3
• Expand proactive outreach services to high-risk seniors who are likely to suffer from social isolation and reduced support or motivation to seek care for behavioral health and chronic condition care .
• Provide opportunities and reduce barriers for individuals who have personal experience with behavioral health or substance misuse services to return to school and earn gainful employment .
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